level

³level

adj

Definition of LEVEL

1

a : having no part higher than another : conforming to the curvature of the liquid parts of the earth's surface b : parallel with the plane of the horizon : horizontal

2

a : even or unvarying in height b : equal in advantage, progression, or standing c : proceeding monotonously or uneventfully d (1) : steady, unwavering <gave him a level look> (2) : calm, unexcited <spoke in level tones>

3

: reasonable, balanced <arrive at a justly proportional and level judgment on this affair — Sir Winston Churchill>

4

: distributed evenly <level stress>

5

: being a surface perpendicular to all lines of force in a field of force : equipotential

6

: suited to a particular rank or plane of ability or achievement <top-level thinking>

7

: of or relating to the spreading out of a cost or charge in even payments over a period of time

— lev·el·ly \ˈle-və(l)-lē\ adverb

— lev·el·ness \-vəl-nəs\ noun

— level best

: very best

Examples of LEVEL

1. We pitched the tent on level ground.
2. an airplane in level flight
3. Interest rates have remained level.

First Known Use of LEVEL

15th century

Related to LEVEL

Synonyms: even, flat, flush, plane, smooth

Antonyms: bumpy, coarse, lumpy, rough, uneven, unsmoothed

Related Words: exact, uniform; aligned (also alined), regular, true; horizontal, tabular; plumb, straight, vertical

Near Antonyms: inexact, irregular, unaligned, warped; undulating, undulatory, wavy; pitted, pockmarked, pocky

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Synonym Discussion of LEVEL

level, flat, plane, even, smooth mean having a surface without bends, curves, or irregularities. level applies to a horizontal surface that lies on a line parallel with the horizon <the vast prairies are nearly level>. flat applies to a surface devoid of noticeable curvatures, prominences, or depressions <the work surface must be flat>. plane applies to any real or imaginary flat surface in which a straight line between any two points on it lies wholly within that surface <the plane sides of a crystal>. even applies to a surface that is noticeably flat or level or to a line that is observably straight <trim the hedge so it is even>. smooth applies especially to a polished surface free of irregularities <a smooth skating rink>.